Newcastle United are reportedly close to agreeing a deal for Portuguese defender Ruben Semedo.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez
Newcastle United are close to agreeing a deal for Ruben Semedo, if the reports from Portugal are to be believed.
According to reports from A Bola, Newcastle have sent officials in Lisbon to negotiate a deal for the 23-year-old defender.
Semedo has a contract with Sporting till 2022, and reportedly has a £39.16 million (45 million Euros) release clause, but Sporting are willing to sell him at a more reasonable price.
Lisbon’s Ruben Semedo in action with Tottenham’s Kevin Stewart (R)
The report states that Newcastle have made the first move by offering £13 million (including bonuses) for the defender. However, the offer was far below Sporting’s expectation.
Another Portuguese outlet, O Jogo, claims that a meeting was held on Wednesday where Sporting have agreed to sell the defender for £12.18 million.
Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Semedo in action against Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
The report claims that Newcastle have agreed to pay that amount that covers 80% of the player’s rights. O Jogo says that the deal apparently is ‘close’ to being done.
It seems like Newcastle have moved in quickly ahead of other reported potential suitors like Southampton and Everton, and the Magpies should be looking to conclude the deal at the earliest.
According to The Sun, Everton have also shown a strong interest in Semedo. Ronald Koeman has reportedly sent scouts to watch Semedo on numerous occasions last season.
General view outside St James’ Park
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